This year’s Super Bowl is certainly one to remember, with the San Francisco 49ers facing off against the Kansas City Chiefs. Anticipation has reached a peak as the Kansas City Chiefs have gained tons of notoriety. Between their amazing track record, winning last year’s Super Bowl, and Travis Kelce’s blossoming relationship with Taylor Swift, it seems the Kansas City Chiefs are all anyone can talk about. College campuses nationwide were prepping, and the students at SUNY Cortland were no exception. For students, this annual event transcended football; it was a chance to unite, snack, rally behind their beloved teams, and bask in the camaraderie of the game.
In dorms, off-campus housing, and local bars, including The Red Jug Pub, preparations were made to ensure a good time was had by all. From festive decorations to themed snacks and spirited competitions, students and businesses went all out to ensure unforgettable celebrations.
At SUNY Cortland, Super Bowl Sunday became a campus-wide affair. Students orchestrated viewing parties in the common rooms of dorms; the dining halls ensured the game was played on their big screens; and those over the age of 21 made their way to Main Street to watch the game at their favorite bars, such as Woody’s Pub, Red Jug Pub, and The Rock Sports Bar and Grill. Excitement permeated the atmosphere as students eagerly counted down to kickoff.
For many, the Super Bowl wasn’t just about the game itself; it was also about the performances, particularly the halftime show. This year, the National Anthem was performed by Reba McEntire, and Usher headlined the halftime show. Other artists scheduled to appear included Daniel Durant, Post Malone, Anjel Piñero, Andra Day, Shaheem Sanchez, and Tiësto. While there was a good idea as to who would perform this year, students continued to ponder if any surprise guests might make an appearance.
As the game approached, students dressed in the colors of the teams they had decided to cheer for. This year, red was everywhere; the San Francisco 49ers’ official colors are red, gold, and white, and the Kansas City Chiefs are red, white, and black. Conveniently for SUNY Cortland students, all of us own a touch of red to support our home team, the Red Dragons.
Whether die-hard enthusiasts or casual spectators, everyone was swept up in the energy, creating a strong sense of community. Every play, from the opening kickoff to the final whistle, elicited cheers for each touchdown and interception.
Of course, no Super Bowl would be complete without a variety of snacks. So after talking to several students on campus, the most popular foods for this night included timeless classics like buffalo wings, nachos, and pizza. But, there were also some innovative creations concocted by creative students, including viral football-shaped cookie pizzas, festive cupcakes, and football-shaped cheesy stuffed garlic bread rolls. These snack spreads not only provided a feast for the stomach but a feast for the eyes.
Students from diverse backgrounds had the opportunity to showcase their talents on this night. Whether they were culinary enthusiasts whipping up delicious snacks, sports aficionados offering insightful analysis, or business and media majors dissecting the iconic advertisements that accompanied the Super Bowl, everyone came together in unity and had a fantastic night here at SUNY Cortland!
